Preservation of bamboo structures

Ghana has valuable bamboo resources. The culms are an excellent material for countless applications. Their wider use for construction is encouraged by the overall scarcity of timber. Since bamboo has a low natural resistance, protection against biological degradation is of vital importance for long term service. Although protective measures without chemicals are preferable, they are often limited in their effectiveness in a tropical environment. When choosing a chemical preservation, the restricted permeability of the culm tissue, the choice of a suitable preservative and treatment method, the environmental effects as well as economical aspects have to be considered. Keywords: bamboo, deterioration, protection, preservation, preservatives Ghana Journal of Forestry Vol. 15&16 2004: 40-48